Chase Utley wants to join contender on West Coast

Update -- Chase Utley would like to be traded to a contending club on the West Coast, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.

Chase Utley can be traded to any club after clearing waivers and at least six squads are interested. The Angels and Giants have been linked to Utley in the past, and according to CSN Philadelphia's Jim Salisbury, the Cubs, Yankees, Dodgers, and Angels are have also checked on the availability the veteran infielder.

Utley, 36, was not dealt before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline but is seen as a versatile left-handed hitter that can help a contending club's lineup. Since the Phillies are rebuilding, trading Utley for a prospects might prove to be beneficial moving forward.

MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez noted on Friday the Angels are "exploring the possibility" of trading for the veteran infielder.

While Utley would likely be an ideal candidate because he is an additional left-handed hitter and can play first base, Gonzalez adds, the Angels might have difficulty creating a roster spot for him. The Angels do not have a notable amount of position player depth, and as a result, optioning or designating a player for assignment would be challenging.

Although San Francisco did not appear interested in adding infield help before the end of July, the Giants might be in a position to add depth with Joe Panik on the disabled list and not expected to return until September. Ehire Adriana and Kelby Tomlinson are internal options for the Giants but Utley would likely prove to be more productive than either of the two.

Houston could use Utley at first base and as a designated hitter and the Cubs, Yankees, and Dodgers are all known to be open to upgrading their respective infields.

Since clubs hoping to clinch a playoff spot are interested in Utley, the Phillies now have an opportunity to wait for the best offer before trading him. They should be able to maximize the return since Utley has had success offensively since returning from the disabled list.

Over 71 games this season, Utley is batting .208/.276/.313 to complement four home runs and 29 RBIs.